Hepatitis C is a contagious disease of the liver that is caused by a virus called the hepatitis C virus, or HCV. Symptoms can range from mild illness, which last for a few weeks to a serious, lifelong illness that attacks the liver. Hepatitis C may either be acute or chronic.
How is hepatitis C spread?
Hepatitis C is spread or transmitted when an infected person’s blood comes in contact with the blood of someone who is not infected.
People can become infected with the hepatitis C virus through the following:
Hepatitis C is not spread through shaking hands, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, coughing, or sneezing. Furthermore, it is not spread through food or water.
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Symptoms of hepatitis C
Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms. However, some people infected with the virus may feel like they have the flu, which may include:
Treatment
People who have a mild case of hepatitis C may only need to manage it by visiting their doctor regularly and following their doctor’s recommendations—such as getting enough rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids. Alcohol should be avoided.
People with chronic hepatitis C should be monitored regularly for signs of liver damage and evaluated for treatment. The chronic form of hepatitis C may be treated with a combination of two medicines, interferon and ribavirin. However, the drugs may cause serious side effects in some patients.
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Ways to prevent hepatitis C
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. But there are ways to protect yourself and others from getting infected, such as:
For More Information
You can also get more information about hepatitis C from these institutions or groups: (links open in a new window)
American Liver Foundation (ALF)
Internet: www.liverfoundation.org
Hepatitis B Foundation
Internet: www.hepb.org
Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI)
Internet: www.hepfi.org
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Internet: www.nccam.nih.gov
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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References:
CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis (July 2008). Hepatitis C Information for the Public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Web URL: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/C/cFAQ.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008
NCCAM Research Report (May 2004). Hepatitis C and CAM NCCAM (Publication No. D004).
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/hepatitisc/. Accessed: October 7, 2008
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (May 2004). What I need to know about Hepatitis C (NIH Publication No. 04—4229). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepa_ez/index.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008
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People who are newly infected have what is called acute hepatitis C. For about 15 to 40 percent of this group, the infection is short-term, goes away, and does not recur. In others, acute infection leads to chronic (long-lasting) hepatitis C.Top of Page
In chronic hepatitis C, the virus stays in the liver, replicates, and injures the liver over time. Chronic hepatitis C can lead to serious liver problems, such as cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), liver cancer, and even liver failure.
How is hepatitis C spread?
Hepatitis C is spread or transmitted when an infected person’s blood comes in contact with the blood of someone who is not infected.
People can become infected with the hepatitis C virus through the following:
Sharing drug needles with an infected personYou could also get hepatitis C, although rare, by getting a tattoo or body piercing with unsterilized, dirty tools.
Getting accidentally pricked with a needle that has infected blood on it (health care workers can be infected this way)
Birth (being born to a mother who has hepatitis C). according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), the risk exists but is low (about 1 to 5 percent).
Having sex with an infected person, especially if you or your partner has other sexually transmitted diseases
Hepatitis C is not spread through shaking hands, sharing eating utensils, breastfeeding, hugging, kissing, coughing, or sneezing. Furthermore, it is not spread through food or water.
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Symptoms of hepatitis C
Most people with hepatitis C have no symptoms. However, some people infected with the virus may feel like they have the flu, which may include:
FeverSome people may have
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Dark yellow urineTop of Page
Light-colored feces or stools
Jaundice (yellow color in the skin or eyes)
Treatment
People who have a mild case of hepatitis C may only need to manage it by visiting their doctor regularly and following their doctor’s recommendations—such as getting enough rest, adequate nutrition, and fluids. Alcohol should be avoided.
People with chronic hepatitis C should be monitored regularly for signs of liver damage and evaluated for treatment. The chronic form of hepatitis C may be treated with a combination of two medicines, interferon and ribavirin. However, the drugs may cause serious side effects in some patients.
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Ways to prevent hepatitis C
Unfortunately, there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. But there are ways to protect yourself and others from getting infected, such as:
Avoid sharing drug needles with anyoneTop of Page
Wear gloves if you need to touch anyone’s blood
If you have several sex partners, use a condom during sex
Do not donate your blood or plasma if you have hepatitis C
Avoid using an infected person’s toothbrush or razor
If you get a tattoo or body piercing, make sure that it is done with sterilized or clean tools
For More Information
You can also get more information about hepatitis C from these institutions or groups: (links open in a new window)
American Liver Foundation (ALF)
Internet: www.liverfoundation.org
Hepatitis B Foundation
Internet: www.hepb.org
Hepatitis Foundation International (HFI)
Internet: www.hepfi.org
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM)
Internet: www.nccam.nih.gov
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC)
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov
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References:
CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis (July 2008). Hepatitis C Information for the Public. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA. Web URL: http://www.cdc.gov/hepatitis/C/cFAQ.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008
NCCAM Research Report (May 2004). Hepatitis C and CAM NCCAM (Publication No. D004).
National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://nccam.nih.gov/health/hepatitisc/. Accessed: October 7, 2008
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (May 2004). What I need to know about Hepatitis C (NIH Publication No. 04—4229). National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD. Web URL: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/hepa_ez/index.htm. Accessed: October 7, 2008
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